California Employer Attorney — Employer Defense Law Firm, Los Angeles

Employee Claim?
We’ve Got Your Back.

We defend California businesses against frivolous and baseless employee claims and litigation.

Employers only — never employees
John Fagerholm, employer defense attorney, California Employer Attorney
Employer defense · Est. Los Angeles
3,400+
Completed legal matters
1,520+
Businesses helped
20+
Lawyers & attorneys
96%
Client satisfaction
Trusted by 1,500+ companies in California. · Employers only — never employees

§ 01 — Practice areas

What challenge are you facing? We are your shield against employee lawsuits.

These are the issues that keep business owners up at night. We provide the answers and the defense you need.

01

Wrongful Termination

Lab. Code § 1102.5 · Tameny claims

We provide a vigorous defense against claims of unlawful termination — including allegations of retaliation, discrimination, and breach of contract — ensuring your management decisions are protected.

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02

Wage & Hour Disputes

Lab. Code §§ 510 · 1194 · 226.7

California’s wage and hour laws are notoriously complex. We defend businesses against unpaid overtime, meal and rest break violations, and employee misclassification.

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03

Class Action Defense

Code Civ. Proc. § 382 · PAGA

Strategic defense against high-stakes wage and hour class action lawsuits. We have the experience to manage these complex cases, protect your company’s finances, and mitigate large-scale risk.

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04

Labor & Employment Law

Lab. Code § 2802 · IWC wage orders

Comprehensive counsel on all aspects of labor and employment law, from hiring practices to termination, ensuring your business operations are fully compliant and protected from legal threats.

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05

Harassment & Discrimination

Gov. Code § 12940 · FEHA

Our team defends employers against claims related to age, race, gender, disability, and other protected classes by conducting internal investigations and implementing preventative training.

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06

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Code Civ. Proc. § 1281 · State & federal courts

When disputes arise, we represent employers in state and federal courts, arbitration, and administrative hearings to protect your interests and achieve a favorable outcome.

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Don’t wait for a small issue to become a costly lawsuit.

§ 02 — How we work

Our strategic approach to your defense

A clear, structured path from initial contact to final resolution — informed and confident at every stage.

01

Confidential Consultation

Our process begins with a free, confidential consultation to thoroughly understand your situation, business context, and primary objectives.

02

Strategic Action Plan

We analyze all facts and develop a tailored legal strategy, outlining clear options, potential outcomes, and a proactive plan to protect your interests.

03

Vigorous Defense

We execute the plan — skillful negotiation, mediation, or aggressive litigation in court — always aiming for the most favorable, cost-effective outcome.

04

Proactive Prevention

Beyond resolving the immediate issue, we partner with you to implement policies and practices that minimize future risk and ensure compliance.

Your shield against employee lawsuits. Get expert legal advice now. Your initial consultation is free.

We defend employers from employee lawsuits and help ensure compliance with California’s complex labor laws.

§ 03 — The firm

Your dedicated employer defense team

We aren’t just lawyers; we’re entrepreneurs. We share your frustration with California’s challenging business climate.

That’s why we’ve dedicated our entire mission to one thing: defending and protecting Los Angeles employers. Our approach is proactive and strategic — we partner with you to understand your operations, identify potential risks, and build a strong legal foundation to protect your assets and your vision.

Exclusive Employer Focus

We only represent management. Our loyalty is undivided, and our strategies are honed for one purpose: your defense.

Local L.A. Expertise

We have deep roots in the Los Angeles legal community and understand the nuances of local courts and agencies.

Direct & Trustworthy Counsel

You get straightforward, actionable advice. We provide clarity in complex situations so you can make confident decisions.

20+ years of experience
Employer defense counsel, California Employer Attorney
John Fagerholm · By business owners, for businesses

§ 04 — Client record

What our clients say about us

As a business owner, facing a lawsuit is terrifying. Their attorneys are not only sharp litigators but also compassionate advisors who understand the business implications of a dispute.

Ella PerezOwner, Cipex International, Inc.
Google Reviews — Verified

Their litigation team is second to none. They developed a brilliant strategy, kept us informed at every stage, and ultimately had the case dismissed before trial. We are incredibly grateful.

Raquel TaylorOwner, Zenith Fast Foods, Inc.
Google Reviews — Verified

We were guided through a complex mediation process that resulted in a very favorable settlement. Their expertise in dispute resolution saved us the immense cost and stress of a trial.

Mark KrainerVice President, Klassic Engineering
Google Reviews — Verified

Google reviews — 4.8 · Trusted by 1,500+ California companies

John Fagerholm, employer defense attorney
John FagerholmEmployer defense attorney · Licensed in California since 2001

§ 05 — Free evaluation

Facing an employment dispute or lawsuit?

Secure your defense now. Contact our experienced employer defense attorneys for a free and confidential 15-minute consultation to discuss your case.

984-319-0834

20+ professional business lawyers · Employers only

Request your free evaluation

§ 06 — Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Q.01How much does the initial consultation cost?+

Nothing. Your first 15-minute case review is free and confidential. We listen to the facts, tell you where you stand, and outline your options before you commit to anything.

Q.02Do you ever represent employees?+

No. We only represent management. Our loyalty is undivided, and our strategies are honed for one purpose: your defense.

Q.03What parts of California do you serve?+

We are rooted in the Los Angeles legal community and defend businesses across California in state and federal courts, arbitration, and administrative hearings.

Q.04I just received a claim or lawsuit. How fast should I act?+

Immediately. Response deadlines in California employment matters are short, and early strategy decisions shape the entire case. Call before you respond to the employee, the agency, or opposing counsel.